AN: Hey all! Sorry about the delay...again. I've really got to start getting better at updating. But I'm done my exams now, YAY! Now I'll have more time and a whole lot less stress. Anyway, be aware that the first quarter, or so, of this chapter is not exactly my best work. I had major writers block as to what to write. I had a place I needed to get to and this was the best way I could get there. So, please forgive me. Anyway, read on and I hope you enjoy.
Monica awoke early in the morning and was unable to fall back to sleep. Excitement and anxiety coursed through her. She sighed and decided to get up. She still couldn't believe Chandler was alive. It was like a dream come true, but was it too much like a dream? She wondered if everything, or anything for that matter, would work out. Could she and Chandler make it work after everything that had happened? Could the three of them ever be a family? Monica wondered briefly what life would have been like if the fire had never happened and Kathy had shown up at their door with Samantha.
Monica quickly got to work in the kitchen, making breakfast. She was humming quietly to herself and was startled by movement behind her. Monica jumped and spun around, her eyes coming to rest on the small girl standing in front of her.
"Oh, Samantha. You scared me!" Monica said, clutching her chest.
"I'm sorry," Samantha said timidly, her eyes downcast.
"Don't worry about it," Monica said immediately, giving Samantha a big smile. She could now see what Chandler had told her yesterday about her self-confidence. "Do you wanna have some breakfast?"
Samantha nodded shyly and smiled.
Monica returned the smile and tilted her head slightly. "Do you want to help me?"
Samantha's eyes widened and she nodded emphatically at the thought of being asked to help.
Chandler awoke a short time later and quietly made his way out of the guestroom. He smiled when he spotted Monica and Samantha hard at work in the kitchen. Samantha was standing on a stool in front of the stove, a spatula in hand. She was wearing an apron that was far too big for her and was tied around her a couple times. Monica was standing beside her, patiently showing her how to flip pancakes.
"Something smells good," Chandler said brightly as he entered the small kitchen.
"Daddy!" Samantha exclaimed. "We're making pancakes!"
Chandler smiled at her enthusiasm. "Oh, pancakes, that sounds good."
Samantha nodded emphatically. They have choc'lat chips!" Samantha suddenly turned back to the stove, getting back to work.
Chandler smiled ands hook his head. Samantha was covered with a light layer of flour and had batter on her left cheek. He stepped forward and stopped right behind them. He leaned in and planted a kiss on the back of Samantha's head and one on Monica's cheek.
"Morning," he said.
Monica offered a smile. "Good morning." She said. "Breakfast is almost ready."
"Want me to do something?"
"You could set the table, the plates are up there," Monica said, motioning towards a cupboard.
"Kay," Chandler reached up and got down the plates as well as knives and forks from the drawer. He quickly set the table and placed three glasses of orange juice down on the table, right as Monica set a plate of pancakes down and put a couple on everyone's plates.
Monica and Chandler ate in silence, listening to Samantha chatter happily about making pancakes and how much she had liked 'sleeping over' at Monica's home. Chandler smiled as he watched his daughter. She was very rarely this animated, especially with other people around. He was surprised, but glad, that she had bonded with Monica. It usually took time with new people.
When they had finished breakfast, Chandler announced that he and Samantha had to go. He sent Samantha to get ready, momentarily leaving Monica and himself alone.
"So," Monica began.
"So," Chandler said, laughing. "This shouldn't be awkward."
Monica sighed and smiled. "I know."
"I'll call you," Chandler said, holding up the hand holding the small piece of paper Monica had written her number down on. He paused for a moment. "I-I'm really glad that this happened. I'm glad we found each other again. I really missed you…" He was about to continue, but Monica cut him off.
"I know," she said simply. "I know," she repeated, smiling. She looked down, a few strands of hair falling into her face.
Chandler stepped forward and gently brushed the hair back behind her ear. She looked up and their eyes met. A look of understanding passed between them and they exchanged a quick kiss before pulling apart.
Samantha chose that moment to re-enter the room.
"You ready to go, Sam?" Chandler asked.
Samantha nodded. She walked over to Monica. "Thank-you for the sleepover," she said, smiling.
Monica laughed. "You're welcome, Samantha. I hope I'll see you again soon."
Samantha nodded. "Me too," she turned to Chandler. "Are we going now?"
Chandler nodded. "Yup." He turned to Monica and gave her a quick hug, both of them wishing he didn't have to leave.
* * * * *
The next Tuesday, Chandler found himself with the day off, so he dropped Samantha at school and decided to take a short trip to the city. He had seen Monica once since the first time, but the whole gang had been present, including Joey, who had been ecstatic about his friend's sudden reappearance and hadn't allowed Chandler a moment alone with Monica.
Chandler smiled to himself as he approached Monica's building and parked the car. She didn't know he was coming and he hoped to surprise her. He was pretty sure she had Tuesdays off of work. He got himself into the building and climbed the two flights of stairs. He rounded the final corner in the hallway and knocked three times on her door.
Monica looked up from her dusting at the sound of a knock on her door. Probably the old lady below her saying she was being too loud again. Monica could swear she only came up to talk, as she would complain about times Monica wasn't even home. Monica sighed as she glanced around the small, uncomfortable apartment. She hated living here and missed her old, inviting apartment. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and went over to answer the door.
"Hey," Chandler said, as the door swung open in front of him.
"Chandler!" Monica exclaimed. She stepped forward and the two shared a hug. "What are you doing here?"
Chandler shrugged, as he walked in and shut the door. "My boss called this morning to tell me not to bother coming in today. There's some big computer problem or something."
"Well, that's great," Monica said. "Well, not for your office, but for us."
Chandler smiled. "I know. My immediate thought was: I get to go see Mon."
Monica smiled at him and averted his eyes, somewhat embarrassed. "Well, thanks for thinking of me. You saved me from a long, boring day alone." She motioned to the apartment around her. "As you can see, there isn't much to do here."
Chandler shrugged. "It's really not as nice as the last one is it?"
Monica rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Not even close. I hate living here."
"Why didn't you move back when the old building was re-built?"
"The same reason you didn't."
"Because you were severely injured from running in front of a car?" Chandler quipped.
Monica sighed and shook her head, laughing. "No," now more serious, "because I couldn't. And you couldn't either. It took you a year to come back."
Chandler nodded. "I know. It was really hard."
There was a somber moment.
"So," Chandler said. "I'm yours for the day. What do you want to do?"
Monica thought for a moment. "Why don't we hang out here and watch a movie?"
"Sounds good," Chandler said, nodding. "Oh, and before I forget, Sam's going to her friend Vanessa's cottage this weekend, and I was wondering if you wanted to come down for the weekend?" Monica had yet to see the house, beacsue they didn't want to confuse Samantha.
Monica smiled. "I'd love to."
"Great," Chandler said smiling.
They popped a tape into the VCR and settled down to watch the movie. Chandler was half sitting-half lying on the couch and Monica was wrapped in his arms in front of him.
* * * * *
Monica paced nervously Friday evening. She had already packed her bag and was waiting for Chandler to pick her up. She didn't know why she was nervous. This is stupid, she told herself, while stopping the pacing. She shouldn't be nervous about seeing Chandler. Monica sighed. It must be the build up of anticipation over the week. She could barely get through her shift earlier, knowing she had the weekend to be with Chandler. She sighed once more and began pacing again. It was more than anticipation. They had yet to be intimate, and this was their first chance at a night alone. She shivered slightly at the thought. She used to be so comfortable with him, doing anything, but now, everything was different. He was mature now, had responsibilities. She worried he would decide she was too immature for him. Monica's demeanor saddened as the thought traveled through her head, but before it could lead to more anxiety, there was a knock at the door.
"How many times do I have to tell you that you don't have to knock?"
Chandler laughed as Monica opened the door in front of him. He shrugged.
"You never used to knock."
He tilted his head. "Well, you usually don't knock when you live together."
Monica laughed slightly. "I meant before that."
Chandler shrugged. "That was different."
Monica's expression changed. "I know," she whispered.
Chandler stepped forward and pulled her into a tight hug, his arms wrapping closely around her waist. He felt Monica rest her head against his shoulder and wrap her arms around his neck. They stayed like this for several moments.
"This shouldn't be so awkward," Chandler whispered, still in the hug. He closed his eyes and allowed himself to be momentarily comforted by the feeling of having her in his arms. He knew what tonight meant for them. He was so afraid Monica would change her mind afterwards. He was different now. He was tied down and…well, he was different physically. He was scared in places. He had shown her his leg, and she had obviously sent he small scar on his cheek, but she had yet to see the long, gray scar across his chest from hitting the windshield and the gash on his side from, well he still wasn't sure how he had gotten that one. Maybe something had been there when he hit the ground. Chandler forced his thoughts back to the present.
Monica nodded against Chandler's chest, agreeing with his statement. "I'm just a little nervous," she said, very quietly.
Chandler laughed slightly. "Me too."
Monica pulled back, also laughing slightly. "We shouldn't be."
"I know."
"But we still are."
"I know."
"You have to stop saying that," Monica said, feigning annoyance.
"I know," Chandler said with a straight face, and then cracked up. They both laughed. It helped to ease some tension. "What are you nervous about?" He asked softly, leading Monica over to the couch, where they sat down.
Monica shook her head, "Oh, no, it's nothing."
Chandlers smiled and gently brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes. "Tell me," he pleaded very softly.
Monica looked away. "I-I don't really want to."
Chandler smiled and used a finger to carefully make her look into his eyes once more. "Please."
Monica felt her resolve dissipate. She could never say no to those eyes. "I'm just worried that your not going to want me anymore." She said, quietly.
"What?!"
Monica looked down. "Everything is different now. You're different. You so mature and, well, older now. And not older and in age older, but in life experience older. And I'm not. It can never be the same as it was. Do you still want that? Do you still want me?" She asked boldly, looking back up.
Chandler almost laughed. Here he was worrying about her not wanting him. "I'll always want you, Mon. Always. You are the person I was meant to spend the rest of my life with, and I love you. I've been worrying about whether or not you would still want me."
Monica said nothing, but he could read the question in her eyes.
"I've changed. I've been changed. I'm not the same person I was. I have…scars. And I don't just mean emotional ones." He stopped as he saw the realization on Monica's face.
She began shaking her head. "Chandler that would never be a factor between us. Never." She smiled, attempting to reassure him.
"We've both been pretty stupid, haven't we?" Chandler asked, a smile playing on his face.
Monica nodded and laughed.
"Promise me something."
"What?"
"That is you ever have any doubts or thoughts or anything, that you will tell me?"
"Only if you do the same."
"Okay, I promise."
"I promise too."
Chandler smiled, all of his previous doubts subsiding. He leaned in and placed a kiss on Monica's lips. "I love you," he whispered when they pulled away.
"I love you, too."
"You ready to go?"
Monica nodded, happily. She really was ready.
* * * * *
Just under an hour later, Monica found herself being driven through a very happy looking residential area. All of the houses they passed were big and tidy. "This is a really nice area," she commented.
Chandler nodded in agreement. "I know. It's a really friendly place. I think it'll be good for Sam to grow up here."
Monica nodded. She felt Chandler brake and she looked around, knowing they must be close.
They turned into a fairly long driveway and followed it up to the garage on the right side of the large, brick house.
Monica gasped slightly. The house was like her dream house. It was huge, with multiple large, bright windows. She could tell it was two complete floors.
"This is it," Chandler said, as he put the car in park. They both got out and he took Monica's bag as they walked together to the front door, locate at the middle of the front on the house.
As they entered the house, Monica saw a large, spiral staircase leading both up a floor and down to her right.
"I'll give you a quick tour," Chandler said. He showed her the large, airy living room to the right of the front hall, beside the staircase, the dining room behind the living room and the kitchen to the left of it. Directly to the left of the hallway was a laundry room, bathroom and office. There were five bedrooms upstairs and two bathrooms. In the basement was a large open rec-room and an additional two bedrooms, bathroom and mini-kitchen. There was a large pool in the backyard surrounded by an untended garden.
"This place in incredible," Monica said when the tour was over."
Chandler nodded. "It's a really nice place. I just wish I'd had more time to work here. I haven't done anything with the basement or the backyard, not that I really know how to garden, or anything."
Monica laughed. "Maybe I could help you with that."
Chandler smiled and took her hand. "That would be most generous."
Monica laughed again. She hadn't realized how much she missed this type of interaction with Chandler. "So," she said. "What's for dinner?"
Chandler smiled. "Why, my specialty." He disappeared into the kitchen more a moment before returning with a cordless phone. "Ordering pizza?"
Monica laughed. "That's you specialty?"
Chandler nodded. "It's a wonder Samantha hasn't gotten scurvy yet."
Monica rolled her eyes.
"So what kind to you want to get?"
"Mushrooms, pepperoni and double cheese?"
Chandler nodded. "Sounds good. Wanna make it a Joey special?"
Monica laughed and nodded. "Sure."
A couple hours, a little bit of alcohol and a lot of pizza later, Monica found herself curled up on the couch with Chandler, laughing at the show playing on the television. The show ended and she glanced at the clock on the VCR. She was surprised to notice how late it was. Chandler seemed to notice the time as well.
"You ready for bed?" He asked.
Monica nodded, feeling her body tingle with anticipation. She felt Chandler kiss the back of her head and helped her get up. She yawned and stretched her stiff limbs. Chandler did the same beside her. He then turned off the TV and silently led her up the stairs to his bedroom.
Monica felt butterflies in her stomach as she was led into his room, and sat on the edge of the bed. This was a different nervousness, more anticipation than anything else. It had been a long time; for both of them.
Chandler sat down beside her and gently pulled her in for a kiss. It slowly deepened, as their arms became intertwined around each other.
Monica was in heaven, as all of the feelings rushed back to her. She loved being intimate with Chandler. He was always so gentle and so considerate of her. He made her feel special, like no one had before. Her mind was brought back to the present when Chandler pulled away.
"Are you sure?" He asked softly, love and caring so evident in his expression.
Monica nodded. "I've never been more sure if anything," she answered and they both knew she didn't just mean about their present 'activities.'
Chandler smiled and pulled her close again. It wasn't long before he felt her hands cautiously beginning to pull at the hem of his shirt and he helped by pulling it up, and over his head. He felt Monica plant tiny kisses all the way down his chest, and stop at the scar. She looked up at him, right into his eyes and smiled. She planted a kiss right on it and came back up to his lips. Chandler allowed himself a smiled. He knew at that moment that they would be okay.
AN: So, What did you think? I'd love some feedback. Should I continue with more chapters or call this the end and write an epilogue? I really need your input and I'll do which ever you think is best. So, please let me know. Are you still liking this story, or are all of the long delays on updating kind of making you uninterested?
